Global, regional, and national burden of colorectal cancer and its risk factors, 1990–2019: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

Funding: F Carvalho and E Fernandes acknowledge support from Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, I.P. (FCT), in the scope of the project UIDP/04378/2020 and UIDB/04378/2020 of the Research Unit on Applied Molecular Biosciences UCIBIO and the project LA/P/0140/2020 of the Associate Laboratory Institute for Health and Bioeconomy i4HB; FCT/MCTES through the project UIDB/50006/2020. J Conde acknowledges the European Research Council Starting Grant (ERC-StG-2019-848325). V M Costa acknowledges the grant SFRH/BHD/110001/2015, received by Portuguese national funds through Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT), IP, under the Norma Transitória DL57/2016/CP1334/CT0006.proofepub_ahead_of_prin

National, sub-national, and risk-attributed burden of thyroid cancer in Iran from 1990 to 2019

An updated exploration of the burden of thyroid cancer across a country is always required for making correct decisions. The objective of this study is to present the thyroid cancer burden and attributed burden to the high Body Mass Index (BMI) in Iran at national and sub-national levels from 1990 to 2019. The data was obtained from the GBD 2019 study estimates. To explain the pattern of changes in incidence from 1990 to 2019, decomposition analysis was conducted. Besides, the attribution of high BMI in the thyroid cancer DALYs and deaths were obtained. The age-standardized incidence rate of thyroid cancer was 1.57 (95% UI: 1.33–1.86) in 1990 and increased 131% (53–191) until 2019. The age-standardized prevalence rate of thyroid cancer was 30.19 (18.75–34.55) in 2019 which increased 164% (77–246) from 11.44 (9.38–13.85) in 1990. In 2019, the death rate, and Disability-adjusted life years of thyroid cancer was 0.49 (0.36–0.53), and 13.16 (8.93–14.62), respectively. These numbers also increased since 1990. The DALYs and deaths attributable to high BMI was 1.91 (0.95–3.11) and 0.07 (0.04–0.11), respectively. The thyroid cancer burden and high BMI attributed burden has increased from 1990 to 2019 in Iran. This study and similar studies’ results can be used for accurate resource allocation for efficient management and all potential risks’ modification for thyroid cancer with a cost-conscious view

Role of silis in esophageal cancer

Association of silica with diseases like cancers has been determined previously. This study was designed to determine the quantity of silis in flour produced in Golestan Province, and its relation to esophageal cancer (EC). We took flour samples from all flour millings in Golestan Province. Base-melting method in nickel cruise was used at 550°C. The extract was reduced with acids. Different silis concentrations in various regions were compared. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The median silis concentration was 0.0030 g, the mean silis concentration was 0.008760 ± 0.004265 g in each 100 g flour. The difference of mean silis concentrations in various regions was not significant. No high level of silica was found in the flour of Golestan Province. We could not find any significant difference in various areas between silica contaminations. Studies on the consumed bread and rice in various regions of Golestan Province can be helpful

Evaluation of Some Plasma Coagulation Factors in Women with Spontaneous Miscarriage

Background: It has been reported that 15-20% of parous female have experienced at least one miscarriage, while 3% of them have experienced two miscarriages. The goal of this study was to evaluate the plasma level of coagulation factors in women with a history of spontaneous abortions. Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, 82 women with a history of two or more abortions referred to the six private gynecologic clinics in Gorgan city without any structural abnormality were recruited during 2011-2012. Plasma levels of antithrombin III (ATIII) using colorimetric assay, protein C, protein S, factor V Leiden and lupus anticoagulant (LAC) using coagulation method were measured. The control group was women with a history of normal delivery and no abortions. Those under anti-coagulant therapy were excluded from the study. Data were entered into the computer using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS, SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) version 16 and analyzed by Chi-square, t test and non-parametric tests. Results: At least one abnormality was reported in 35 cases (42.7%). Among them, protein C deficiency was the most prevalent (30.5%). ATIII was abnormal in 17.1% and lupus anti-coagulant was abnormal in 8.5%. Factor V Leiden was normal in all cases and protein S deficiency was only seen in one case. Conclusion: We suggest to perform these tests in regards to the thrombophilia in cases with spontaneous abortions in order to find an early cure for this treatable disorder

Prevalence of Corneal Arcus in Patients Younger Than 50 Years with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Gorgan, Northeast of Iran

Introduction: Corneal arcus caused by lipid deposition around the cornea has been proposed as an early marker for several metabolic disorders and even cardiovascular events. Non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD) is a common health problem diagnosed by elevated liver enzymes and abdominal ultrasound findings. This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of corneal arcus in patients with NAFLD in Gorgan, northeast of Iran.Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 200 NAFLD patients younger than 50 years of age who were referred to hospitals of Gorgan between March 2014 and February 2015. Diagnosis of NAFLD was based on liver function test and abdominal ultrasound examination. Presence of corneal arcus was evaluated by slit-lamp examination. Results: Overall, corneal arcus was found in 91 patients (45.5%). Presence of corneal arcus was significantly correlated with smoking, opium consumption and family history of NAFLD. After controlling the confounding variables )diabetes, hypertension, smoking, hyperlipidemia, age, gender, ethnicity and body mass index(, we found that corneal arcus is significantly associated with history of ischemic heart disease and family history of fatty liver disease.Conclusions: Presence of corneal arcus in patients younger than 50 years with NAFLD is significantly associated with having a history of ischemic heart disease and family history of fatty liver disease.&nbsp

Serum Ferritin in Thalassemic (Major) Patients with Subcutaneous Desferal Versus Subcutaneous and Intravenous Desferal Therapy

Objective:β-thalassemia is a widespread disease. Long term transfusion is the most important therapy in these patients but the best regimen is controversial yet. In this study two groups of thalassemic patients were compared. Subcutaneous desferal regimen was compared versus subcutaneous in combination with intravenous desferal. Material & Methods: This clinical trial was done on thalassemic patients in Pediatric Center who were similar in mean age, number of subcutaneous desferal infusions and number of transfusions. This study was done in one year and serum ferritin was measured every 3 months in patients (cases) and at the end of the study (in controls). Findings: Mean serum ferritin was significantly different in two groups at the end of the study (after one year follow-up), it was higher in case group than in controls (1.7 times) (P value=0.04). Conclusion:In this study, combination therapy of intravenous and subcutaneous desferal was more effective to reduce the iron overload. With more accurate management we will achieve a better long term prognosis in these patients